Local Sports Journal
It took 100 minutes of play and a five-player shootout to determine a winner in Saturday’s nonleague soccer game between host Western Michigan Christian and Whitehall, which came into the game ranked No. 4 in state in Division 3.
The Warriors won the game 3-2 after winning the shootout 2-1 in goals. That made for a successful end to WMC’s annual Warrior Weekend.
WMC, honorable mention in Division 4, received goals from Josh Binnendyk in the first half and Ben Mast in the first of two 10-minute overtimes. Whitehall received a second-half goal from Ray Copley and Nick Rands in the first overtime.
“It was a good game between two quality teams with a good, quick counter attack,” Whitehall coach Bryan Mahan said. “They are a battle-tested team that is young, but some of these guys have played in a state final’s game and are used to the pressure.”
After the teams were still deadlocked after 100 minute so play, the shootout decided the outcome. Chaise Schuiteman and Binnendyk scored for WMC (7-3-1) while Matt Rohen found the net for the Vikings (11-3-2).
“It was as even a game as you would find,” WMC coach David Hulings said. “Whitehall showed why they are a top-ranked team in Division 3. They came right back after we scored and that was good for out team.
“It was a shame someone had to lose,” Hulings said.
WMC outshot Whitehall 12-9.
